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Ask an Explainer

Q:

How do fixed wing airplanes fly?

A:

Fixed wing airplanes actually have a lot more control over their shape than you may think. While their angle of attack is held firmly in place, the pilot can use slats to make the wings wider during takeoff, making the plane able to acheive lift at lower speeds than it could have before. These are pulled in once the plane is in the air, to reduce drag.

Ask an Explainer
Posted on January 31, 2014 at 6:55 am
Categories:
Structures & Materials
Flight Dynamics
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